Sonia tells PM his position is not being undermined but ordinance may be put on hold

Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi’s criticism of the government on Friday effectively put the controversial ordinance on convicted legislators on hold: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, away in the United States on a bilateral visit, was forced to issue a statement from Washington.

But with the attack sending confused signals through the Congress on the position of the Prime Minister, party president Sonia Gandhi, government sources said, reassured the Prime Minister on the telephone, saying there was no intention to undermine his position.

Earlier in the day, the Congress and the UPA government were caught completely off-guard when Mr. Gandhi “dropped in” at a Meet-the-Press programme addressed by party general secretary Ajay Maken, only to denounce the ordinance cleared by the Union cabinet on Tuesday — and on which President Pranab Mukherjee had sought a government briefing on Thursday evening.

With this outburst coming in the wake of Mr. Mukherjee having made his discomfort with the ordinance known to Law Minister Kapil Sibal and Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde — when they met him for well over an hour at Rashtrapati Bhawan on Thursday — Congress sources said the fate of the ordinance now appears to be sealed.

For both the party and the government, nothing could have been more embarrassing than the Congress vice president’s bombshell minutes after Mr. Maken had defended the ordinance. Worse, virtually at the same moment, at another venue, unaware of the drama unfolding at the Press Club of India (PCI), Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Manish Tewari and Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office V. Narayanswamy, too, were explaining the need for the ordinance.

Earlier, minutes after Mr. Maken began to speak, he received a phone call from Mr. Gandhi, who asked whether he could join him at the PCI.

In the less than 10 minutes Mr. Gandhi was there, he proceeded to give what he repeatedly described as his “personal opinion.” The ordinance, he said, was “complete nonsense” and it “should be torn up and thrown away.” He said the “arguments” made in his own party in favour of the ordinance were that there were “political considerations,” arguments that he said were being made in all other parties. “It is time to stop this nonsense, political parties, mine and all others,” Mr. Gandhi said as he rolled up his sleeves, “if we want to fight corruption, we can’t continue making these small compromises. Because if we make these small compromises, then we compromise everywhere.”

As he got up to leave, members of a suddenly galvanised press wanted to know whether Mr. Gandhi’s views had been shaped by the flak the ordinance was getting from the Opposition. He returned to his seat to say: “I’m not interested in the opposition, I am interested in what the Congress party is doing and what our government is doing.” And then came the punchline: “I personally feel what my government has done is wrong,” before he made a dramatic exit.

Mr. Maken retracted all that he had said earlier in the press meet to declaim: “Rahul’s view is that of the Congress party.”

To be fair to Rahul, I don't think that his outburst is an orchestrated act to boost his image or to denigrate the PM. He might have been feeling quite uneasy about the issue for some time. The President's query about the need for an ordinance might have triggered his pent up anger resulting in his instantaneous reaction. Having said that, it was immature of him to run down his party's government in public. He should have known that the PM's image could be tarnishd. He could have simply discussed the issue with his mom so that the PM is told to drop the idea. While his goal was laudable, his approach has been clumsy, to say the least. It is a great embarrassment to the PM - the damage has been done to the Party, PM and to Rahul himself.

from:
Chandra

Posted on: Sep 28, 2013 at 13:45 IST

Day by day you will see many dramatic events taking place, because congress is already weary of NaMo and their heir has to take the rudder to tread the path which now seems a bit more sloppy for Congress.

from:
Gaurav Pruthi

Posted on: Sep 28, 2013 at 13:41 IST

Rahul has diminished the office of PM that too when he was away from the country. He should have politely told that the oridance for the time being is on hold till the PM returns. He would have made many friends. But, he has damaged the Government as also the party. Who had advised him? We have not heard his comments so far. Day in day out he issues statements criticising NaMo. Rahul is still immature and not a capable person to handle diverse India. He has been keeping quiet all along when the scandals rocked the country but when he opens his mouth he puts the party and Government to face the embarassing situation. It is better such people keep their mouth shut.

from:
jagannathan

Posted on: Sep 28, 2013 at 13:19 IST

Same side goal. An inarticulate & outrageous statement by which Mr. Gandhi wants to absolve himself of being a part of the decision to go in for the ordinance. A total lack of sense & sensibility in his approach & timing has left the Prime Minister's position untenable. Mr. Gandhi is definitely a liability for the Congress. He doesn't have the tact, maturity & finesse to lead his party. Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall.............

from:
Yunus Sait

Posted on: Sep 28, 2013 at 13:14 IST

When a civil servant loses his job on getting convicted, are politicians to be treated differently? Please think rationally. The only thing one regrets is that a RIGHT message has been delivered so clumsily.The country has a right to know in the first place who is really to blame for the ordinance?

from:
A. Prasad

Posted on: Sep 28, 2013 at 13:02 IST

To all those who think this is a really great gesture, I want to ask...Seriously people? Still?? If you put a little bit of thought on the events that transpired, i'm sure people with you, assuming you have common sense would have seen through the shams. Rahul Gandhi has been with the Congress for eons now. He is the Vice-President for crying out loud. If he has been quiet thus far. Suddenly, so far into a situation, in front of the press, he jumps out and proclaims to be a honest never-before politician. Where was he when the UPA was indulging gleefully in those zillion-dollar scams? Where was he when known convicts, including some very high ranking officials, were let loose on our democracy? Put some thought people..Dont be so naive..!

from:
Shankar Ananthapadmanaban

Posted on: Sep 28, 2013 at 12:39 IST

Rahul's remark comes at a wrong time. His participation and contribution should have been at the initial stage as a Vice President of the party. Leaving the seed to grow to come to a harvest stage and blaming that the tree is useless appears to be a childish remark. His remark has not only created a stir among the political arena but also put his mother, party's President to an embarrassing position. If he is really interested to clean up the democracy, let him brush aside all hurdles and come to the fore, take the lead with the help of mentors and show his maturity in country's developmental activities. Country needs a welcome change, a strong leader to take the stride devoid of corruption.

from:
BASKARAN R V

Posted on: Sep 28, 2013 at 12:33 IST

This is yet another incident that proved the heir apparent of the Gandhi clan is unprepared to meet the challenges facing the country. Show off at press meets and furious statements in public will draw crowds to sit and chat but not to vote

from:
K.A.R.Reddy

Posted on: Sep 28, 2013 at 12:06 IST

Hats off to Rahul Gandhi for calling a spade, a spade. In fact, he is very clean, and he always think about well being of the people in general and the poor class in particular. No politician in the country has a clean image as Rahul Gandhi. He is fit to lead the country towards prosperity. Let us all give him a thumping victory in the next general election.

from:
K.J.Haroon Basha

Posted on: Sep 28, 2013 at 11:51 IST

It is a "good schoolboy" reaction as happens when something unethical is sighted; The point is that being in a position of popularity and command in his party for long, what prevented him to stop these actions by his party reps ; is this a new but convenient enlightenment AFTER the President's stand ? A leader should ct on a dharmasookshma spontaneously and decisively come what may to one's popularity ?

from:
harihara

Posted on: Sep 28, 2013 at 11:41 IST

Well narrated drama. This is to show and create an existence of Rahulji in the current environment. Moral of the story : 1)Rahul was't aware what had happened in last three days? 2)Showoff - aspirant PM candidate is better than the present with respect to the current subject.

from:
Pradeep kumar

Posted on: Sep 28, 2013 at 11:27 IST

I wonder whether congress is a drama company or a political party as rightly commented by the opposition. Why would they do this? only to make Mr. Rahul PM of our country? enough is enough, do something that is useful to this country. Enough of these tricks.

from:
sunilkumar borra

Posted on: Sep 28, 2013 at 11:22 IST

NICE PLAN
It was pre-planned that if ordinance is passed by President Congress won if not Rahul Gandhi would be made hero by rejecting ordinance by Rahul Gandhi because Rahul Gandhi is a prime minister candidate from Congress.

from:
vivek chaturvedi

Posted on: Sep 28, 2013 at 11:14 IST

I will believe Rahul didn't play politicks to save the face of Congress due the overwhelming opposition to the Ordinance from the press, public and main opposition parties if he does the same gimmick to ensure Lok Pal bill is passed in the true spirit it was intended to serve. I guess he won't do it.

from:
N.Ramesh

Posted on: Sep 28, 2013 at 11:08 IST

Sir, Most of the time what i feel is Prime Minister simply allows the situation to get enlarged & does not impose his thoughts at least on exceptional cases like this one, when ordinance passes through this cabinet meeting to the President; Is PM playing high power politics by internally knowing, this will not fly beyond certain point & short of becoming law or do we need to take him as an indecisive leader? Bottom line is, his personal probity is not sufficient enough to protect/regulate his team (Cabinet) probity. This is just one of another incident among many in his cap.

from:
Srinivas

Posted on: Sep 28, 2013 at 11:03 IST

Mr. Rahul slams the cabinet and says "nonsense". Mrs Sonia says now the PM position is not undermined. So what more they want to express to undermine the PM position?

from:
subramanian.k

Posted on: Sep 28, 2013 at 10:47 IST

This is outrageously hilarious, there is no novelty in what Mr. Gandhi has said, apart from undermining the cabinet he has also given the expression that he is only there to gatecrash and not for serious debates otherwise where was he while ordinance was being debated and finalised. What's more pitiful is the way congress leaders have reacted after Rahul's irresponsible statement, instead of contradicting it they all have fallen in line which shows how congress party is run. Its only shameful that largest democracy in the world has let a dynasty to run it with its mandate.

from:
prav

Posted on: Sep 28, 2013 at 10:37 IST

Whom is this fellow fooling? The congress party consists of a set of nonentities with the only motive of making money. Self respect is not one of their traits!!!!!!!!!

from:
mohan

Posted on: Sep 28, 2013 at 10:27 IST

A potential prime ministerial candidate says he kept silent till the 'non-sense' was pushed forward, because the party wanted it, even if his conscience didn't. If his cameo is something more than a petty political drama, it would be his inability to talk back against tainted politics.

from:
Ashwin

Posted on: Sep 28, 2013 at 10:26 IST

Rahul Gandhi's dramatic entry was well rehearsed political drama to undermine the Prime Minister of India and to show that Rahul is the only hope for this Nation. Unfortunately for the Congress and Rahul Gandhi, the common man is not that stupid and will not succumb to this Theatre of the Absurd. The Prime Minister should resign and earn back the respect of the common man which he once had.

from:
Shrikanth Iyengar

Posted on: Sep 28, 2013 at 10:18 IST

Excellent cartoon. Had a good laugh. Thank you.

from:
Meera

Posted on: Sep 28, 2013 at 10:14 IST

If rahul can stop all ill doing by govt. ,it means he can stop scams in congress regime too but he is not , it means he permit them to do so.

from:
ashu

Posted on: Sep 28, 2013 at 10:09 IST

The important questions for all in Bharat to ask are: When a enactment is in Parliament can the Cabinet bypass Parliament to pass a ordinance that is virtually a Constitutional amendment?; Is it not the ordinance ultra vires the Constitution as the Constitutional amendment has not been passed by Parliament?; More broadly, a PM who is not an elected member of the Lok Sabha can he pass such an ordinance?; Can the Cabinet overrule the Supreme Court?; Can parliament overrule the Supreme Court; Are Parliamentarians above the laws that the common man must obey;

from:
Mani Raman

Posted on: Sep 28, 2013 at 09:58 IST

Any party or alliance that includes the foll in their election manifesto and follow this up with implementation and good governance will win all future elections in the country with outright majorities:

1. Put up only clean candidates as the Supreme Court has recommended
2. Implement the NOTA suggestion of the Supreme Court for elections across the board (from Village level all the way up to Parliament)
3. Pass legislation to make voting mandatory
4. Pass legislation / amend rules to the effect that an outright result will be declared after the first round of polling only if one of the candidates poll 50% or more of all votes cast and if this is not so, to allow a subsequent run-off between the top two candidates with the 50% or more stipulation remaining unchanged

The entire country will support this initiative as the majority of citizens are truly fed up with their current crop of Netas and are yearning for a change for the better.

from:
Glenn

Posted on: Sep 28, 2013 at 09:54 IST

The upper and upper middle classes are shocked by the use of the word nonsense but I do not think the vast majority of illiterate and poor people will have any problem with this word.Ask any one among them about something he/she does not agree with and the reply would be "Bakwaas"
(nonsense). As a political leader making his thoughts clear to the vast majority of poor illiterate people that make up the bulk of the population in this country the use of the word nonsense makes good sense

from:
taffazull

Posted on: Sep 28, 2013 at 09:53 IST

I would rather appreciate Mr. Milind Deora having taken a stance on this issue at the beginning. Unlike Mr. Milind, Mr Rahul didnot even take the stance when lot of uproar by many political parties, people across the country. It was only after our Hon'l. President of the country returned the ordinance and few other congress party leaders took the stance, that Mr. Rahul came out with his views. Of course I strongly believe in "Better Late Than Never" policy.

Whenever any move played by the government seems to fail, the so-
called Congress leadership (Sonia and Rahul) carefully detaches itself from the government and attempts to save its face. This is not the first time I have seen this. Earlier instances were 1) "Dealing with Movement led by Baba Ram Dev on Black Money" 2) "Acting on erring union ministers - Mr. Pawan Kumar Bansal and Mr. Ashwini Kumar"
I would like to caution Congress to refrain from attempting to fool people of India by playing these cheap strategies.

from:
Dinesh S Bhat

Posted on: Sep 28, 2013 at 09:39 IST

GOOD, that Mr rahul gandhi's stand will be helpful for peoples of the country, but ????? is that, his party has changed the stance exactly after his remarks which is the matter of concern.

from:
shivhsnkar lohare

Posted on: Sep 28, 2013 at 09:31 IST

As usual Congress known for its politics. They create a trouble and try to solve that trouble. This way they get the attention. Here is the same, As the recent polls said that Rahul Gandhi is in the interest of the people. They have scripted this story with Rahul as its hero.

from:
Sagar

Posted on: Sep 28, 2013 at 09:11 IST

A drama played by political-blind unaware about the future of the country , which is quite enjoyed by million-blind who does not care about the future of the country but theirÅ

from:
auro

Posted on: Sep 28, 2013 at 09:10 IST

This mis-concieved oridinance has been approved by the Cabinet, which means a collective decision by all ministers. Now the very same congress ministers are following the "footsteps of future PM" and washing their hands off the ordinance. This pack really consists of more than its quota of jokers ! After making this dramatic remark, one can bet that Rahulji will disappear from the scene for one month ! He is actually running away from his responsibilities and running away from facing media persons. A very very far cry from Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi.

from:
V. Vedagiri

Posted on: Sep 28, 2013 at 08:58 IST

Rahul is taking a leadership role here.

from:
utkarsh

Posted on: Sep 28, 2013 at 08:54 IST

Oh come on Mr Gandhi dont make the people of India fool enough.Your party taken the decision and you are not a simple member of the party,you are the chief of your party and i dnt think so without your consent the decision had been taken by your party .Now you are a captain of a sinking ship and you dont have manners enough to speak in public place.As a Prime Ministerial candidate we dont want such an attitude.

from:
sanjib p

Posted on: Sep 28, 2013 at 08:44 IST

How mrs. gandhi knows that there was no intention to undermine the PM.Did Rahul's bombshell has the approval of mrs. gandhi.? In which country we are living?

from:
sunilmazumdar

Posted on: Sep 28, 2013 at 08:42 IST

manmohan has no no option but resign

from:
somanath

Posted on: Sep 28, 2013 at 08:40 IST

These are old tricks..Need some new tricks to fool Indians!!

from:
Mahesh

Posted on: Sep 28, 2013 at 08:25 IST

I appreciate that the ordinance is now in air with Rahul's out burst. This clearly indicates the turmoil that the congress party is going through.

from:
venkatarao ganji

Posted on: Sep 28, 2013 at 08:19 IST

Mr RAHUL GANDHI,s statement on ordinance is very good it will set good precedence in the political arena.I don't know whether it was politically planned or not.However it is planned then also it is good for the healthy democracy because in a healthy democracy political parties are expected to act according to the will of common people and fortunately Mr Rahul is showing the same trend to the political parties.

from:
DEV

Posted on: Sep 28, 2013 at 08:16 IST

As honest and personally incorruptible as MMS is, he has been a very bad Prime Minister who let corruption grow to gargantuan levels. Now, he wants to pass this ordinance to protect criminal MP's and MLA's! What was Rahul Gandhi doing in the past one month when this ordinance as being pushed by the government? Why did he wait until after there has been a huge public reaction on the proposed ordinance. The only credible answer is that the Congress and Rahul are playing a clever game to weasel out of the accountability for trying to force this cooked ordinance on the nation.

from:
Balasubramanian

Posted on: Sep 28, 2013 at 07:59 IST

This is completely a political decision - 1. Pranab has decided to return the ordinance back to cabinet 2. Rahul sees a more positive future with Nitish's alliance than Lalu's 3. Want to undermine Manmohan publicly so that Rahul's stature is seen highly. So, this is a very calculated move by Congress's first family to propel Prince to the front.

from:
Badri

Posted on: Sep 28, 2013 at 07:39 IST

The silent king of Congress has, at last, voiced his opinion at the right moment. Well said Mr.Gandhi.Keep it up.

from:
k.janaki vallabhan

Posted on: Sep 28, 2013 at 07:30 IST

Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi has created a new history by announcing the ordinance as nonsense , really a personality Rahul Gandhi with a positive approach towards Democracy .

from:
RAJAT KUMAR MOHINDRU .JALANDHAR CITY.PUNJAB

Posted on: Sep 28, 2013 at 07:13 IST

Did Rahul really have no knowledge about approval of the ordinance? He knows for sure that nothing in the Congress Govt. moves without his mother's knowledge and approval for whatever such move is worth. What and why this drama and how many more such theatrics follow before the elections is a matter, perhaps is only known to the Congress.s

from:
D.M.Reddy

Posted on: Sep 28, 2013 at 07:07 IST

Although I am not an Indian , I was very please to see Rahul had the conviction to speak out. We need people like him as a leader to wipe out corruption .

HE IS NOW FIT TO BE TRHE PRIME MINISTER

from:
K.S NATHAN

Posted on: Sep 28, 2013 at 06:56 IST

If something good being said, we should appreciate it. The opposition Could have seized this opportunity, why didn't they have shown it earlier.

from:
vinod pande

Posted on: Sep 28, 2013 at 06:53 IST

Yet another ludicrous attempt by the Congress to hoodwink the public. The man, who is the most probable prime ministerial candidate from their side, suddenly wants the people to believe that he is not the one amongst them. Do they really take as fools?

from:
Apoorva

Posted on: Sep 28, 2013 at 06:51 IST

I think the entire episode was pre-planned by Rahul and his sidekicks to get some popularity!

from:
Mathew Zacharias

Posted on: Sep 28, 2013 at 06:27 IST

This is what I do. When I want things my way, I try to force it some how. But if opposition is too much, I enact a drama.

from:
Ramamurthy

Posted on: Sep 28, 2013 at 05:58 IST

Rahul jumped the gun fearing SC and president who could jointly take a decision that will enhance the public demand and force congress to oblivion. Need to watch the man for more political stunts.

from:
V.Sivasubramaniam

Posted on: Sep 28, 2013 at 05:57 IST

Rahul Gandhi views on ordinance that was made for giving immunity to convicted legislators should be treated as face saving exercise after congress led UPA sent the controversial ordinance for president nod that draw fierce criticism from all quarters including all political parties. The big question is if rahul really showed such anguish against his government had the election in three major states not seemed to be come nearer? doing so rahul Gandhi has not done any good for his party prospects to win election at the same time he put manmohan Singh position in the party less valuable as the message is sent out prime minister is responsible for all this untoward situation.

from:
Arun Kant

Posted on: Sep 28, 2013 at 05:46 IST

Sir,
At least there is a person in the stature of Rahul Gandhi in Congress Party who showed courage to describe the proposed ordinance as nonsense, otherwise, the perception was made that the ruling UPA-II was the government to defend the criminal politicians. The nation was also watching with keen interest what the President of India would do because he was a man who had worked with the great personalities of India and it was quite expected that he would not sign on dotted lines.

from:
BIMAL CHANDRA JHA

Posted on: Sep 28, 2013 at 04:17 IST

merely cheap politics.....:-(

from:
Sandeep Kumar

Posted on: Sep 28, 2013 at 03:35 IST

First of all its a shame.Politicians li,ke Laloo, Shibu Soren who have been convicted in many cases are not going to prison, moreover they are getting the VIP status and Z-cat security. They think they can bring a change....and people are blindly following them.. its our responsibility to bring out a leader who is a good administrator , visionary and works for the development of the country first and then the rest....Secondly, i know in country like ours we cannot eliminate poverty, corruption or bring out a drastic change all of a sudden,, so we should go one by one.
we need more proactive participation from the people..
right from the schooling we should teach what human values are, what patriotism is, how men and women should respect each other, bringing out competitive spirit right from childhood is good but not at the cost of values.for a small change but permanent change we should focus on the grass roots.
Lets support those who are fighting for a change...but with non violence.

from:
harry

Posted on: Sep 28, 2013 at 03:28 IST

Mr. Rahul Gandhi is of course right. However, the whole episode shows that he is surely in the wrong party. The sycophants of course have no option but to agree with him now. Even if this is an act of desperation on his part, he has handled it in an honorable way. Not so his partymen, who have abjectly surrendered an untenable and absurd position they were defending to the hilt just minutes before their great leader's outburst. It is sad to see that even an eminently educated and accomplished person as the PM was convinced to back an ordinance that clearly was the height "nonsense" for any sensible person. The Emperor indeed has no clothes left.

from:
CS Venkat

Posted on: Sep 28, 2013 at 03:14 IST

Making a virtue out of crisis as the president and the principal opposition raised questions against the validity and morality of the ordinance. Either Rahul Gandhi is playing cheap politics as if he didn't know about this ordinance until yesterday. Either way it looks pretty bad for the party and himself, he just undermined his party, the poor Mr. Maken and the PM Manmohan Singh who defended this ill-
thought out ordinance. But it also goes to show the reason India is in such bad shape economically and in corruption front, the right hand of the govt doesn't know what the left hand doing, no policy coordination and complete paralysis in policy making and governance. This is failure of the govt and the Congress party after 9 years of UPA rule. This is what happens when we have a triumvirate running the govt with powerful cabinet ministers undermining the PM knowing his weak political base and complete beholdenness to the Congress president for his post.

from:
Suvojit Dutta

Posted on: Sep 28, 2013 at 02:22 IST

Sir
We should not on a single line blame Congress vice president Rahul Gandhiâs intemperate criticism of the government.It might be the case that Rahul Gandhi may be busy in some other work outside india and not really aware of what was actually going on....and he came to knew it only by media....can't we him privilege of "better late then never". He often get very little time to spare for politics apart from his daily chores. at least he can be viewed as a whistle blower in my "OPINION". Thanks rahul sir ...can we please show us more ......

from:
ravi

Posted on: Sep 28, 2013 at 02:07 IST

Vinash Kale Vipareet Buddhee (A non functional mind tyring to work at the time of destruction/defeat)

from:
Santosh

Posted on: Sep 28, 2013 at 00:44 IST

Once the President indicated that he was going to send the ordinance back, the Congress saw this face-saving trick which also tries to build Rahul Gandhi's very weak political credentials. The problem is that his immature language and expressions gave away that the whole thing was stage-managed, especially when he, as usual, didn't stay to answer questions. It's debatable whether he knows the difference between 'ordinance' and 'ordnance'!

from:
Kumar BV

Posted on: Sep 27, 2013 at 23:45 IST

What Mr. Rahul was doing for more than 20 days when this was being discussed in parliament and in cabinet meetings? What he was doing when bill was presented to President and president call Congress ministers to explain the reason for urgency of the ordinance? What he was doing since last two days when it is being highly debated in media and in public and opposition parties are meeting and requesting President not to sign it?

And above what is the political maturity of Mr. Rahul? Can't he select some respectful words when he is denouncing this ordinance? Every body knows it is political drama but what he commented was to Prime Minister of India but to the Man Mohan Singh who is always at this fist family service behind the curtain.

from:
Santosh

Posted on: Sep 27, 2013 at 22:35 IST

Ordinance of the cabinet is commented by the same Party Vice President Mr. Rahul as "Complete Nonsense" for political reasons after the President raised questions and BJP opposed. I think Dr. Manmohan Singh, and his cabinet can be treated better by Mr. Rahul. Why Rahul remained silent all these days? How suddenly it occurred the cabinet ordinance is complete nonsense? Can any one comment about cabinet decisions as nonsense in public? Values and Ethics need to be taught to every one in India

from:
k.subramanian

Posted on: Sep 27, 2013 at 22:08 IST

I also feel this is a drama staged by Congress, to elevate Rahuls rating. The reason is he has kept quiet till it reached the President, and I cannot believe he would not have been heard by his party earlier.

If he is indeed honest, he should also be critical about the timing of the 7th Pay commission. This 7th Pay commission appears to appease voters as well as empty the coffers for the next government. Either way it works out for Congress to get back on the Opposition.

from:
Sudarsan P.S.

Posted on: Sep 27, 2013 at 21:25 IST

VP, Sri Rahul Gandhi , should have objected to the ordinance before it was sent to the President.Not Now.Don't take people for a ride.

from:
v vasudevarao

Posted on: Sep 27, 2013 at 21:25 IST

To Rahul Gandhi, Being a ruling party member from Amethi and the same person as imagined by PM that He wants work under his leadership..What Rahul was doing while passing the Ordnance? Come on RahulJi we are matured enough to understand the CONG-POLITICS. More over I do think journalism is the only profession in India which is LOYAL(Just see how they are highlighting this dump guy...). Hats off to RAHUL & MEDIA

from:
Kallesha K N

Posted on: Sep 27, 2013 at 20:19 IST

another poll gimmick, as if he did not know anything and now he is just for India and not for congress or any specific party but a welfare party of India. wonderful to divert attention on various other issues.

from:
n.ramaswami

Posted on: Sep 27, 2013 at 19:56 IST

At last Rahul spoke lika an Indian..I hope he is genuine and his comments are not a part of game plan of Congress to boost up Rahul's image.

from:
Seshasai

Posted on: Sep 27, 2013 at 19:54 IST

ha ha. Rahul ji is biggest comedian on earth. Sir ji Please tell us who passed this law in first place? Where were you then? You are great Rahul ji. You can defeat Kapil Sharma in comedy.

from:
harsh vs

Posted on: Sep 27, 2013 at 19:54 IST

Trick or No-Trick.... Mr.Rahul has made a statement that will do good to Indian politics.
Let good sense prevail.

from:
A K Nair

Posted on: Sep 27, 2013 at 19:08 IST

Perhaps this is the seminal event that showed Rahul actually growing up to carry the congress party. We need this attitude to change India for the better. But he needs to be nip things in bud before they cause such damage. It is about time he flushes out Sibal and Co.

from:
Kumar

Posted on: Sep 27, 2013 at 19:08 IST

And now media and cong spokesperson will say....''look at rahul gandhi, he has very high ideologies, he went against his own govt and party to because his CONSCIENCE did not support the ordinance.....only a true true leader and a man of clarity in thoughts can make such a move...great rahul baba, hail the future PM, he is the best fit person''

my question to the prospective PM is why did he not speak when the ordinance being made? If the person who is projected as PM does not have have any consensus with his party, what more can we expect out of him.

Please stop playing drama in public. We already have many tele-serials and don't need more.

from:
E Siva S Iyer

Posted on: Sep 27, 2013 at 19:01 IST

Not much is known about the internal politics within the congress party regarding the ordinance. We're not sure if Rahul opposed the ordinance within his party. Only time will tell. His media briefing against the ordinance is I think "Better late than never".

from:
c d kuruvilla

Posted on: Sep 27, 2013 at 19:01 IST

He cannot fool the people as he is playing a cheap politics. When he saw upper hand of the BJP and AAP at this juncture he could not ignore the mood of voters. But he will not get the credit of this politics. Any way whatever had happened, democratic values prevails.

from:
Atul Warshekar

Posted on: Sep 27, 2013 at 18:56 IST

Its the highest level of sycophancy in all its glorious display. I am completely against the ordinance, but senior politicians including the PM belittled this way is a glimpse of how and by whom this country is run!

from:
Roopashree Venugopal

Posted on: Sep 27, 2013 at 18:51 IST

Rahul! I have seen MGR, Shivaji, Kamal Hassan and even Rajini Kanth. I have not seen anyone acting like you.

from:
Rajan Srinivasan

Posted on: Sep 27, 2013 at 18:44 IST

This' s nothing but political gimmics..Jaihind!!

from:
Thillainayagam

Posted on: Sep 27, 2013 at 18:42 IST

The belated opposition from Rahul Gandhi to the ordinance sounds somewhat fishy. What has the Rip van Winkle being doing until the ordinance reached the President's desk? The government bringing in an ordinance in an unseemly hurry to bail out one of its own MPs and also Lallu (if he is convicted in a criminal case for which the verdict expected in a few days) had been the hot topic ever since the SC gave it verdict. It is quite improbable that the UPA government would have dared to go out on a limb in a matter of such importance without getting the prior nod from the Congress High Command. One is led to suspect that the entire episode and Rahul's belated outburst has been cleverly stage-managed to dress him up and portray him an indomitable saviour of democratic values just ahead of the coming elections and also blunt the attack of opposition to the ordinance from people in all walks of life. Obviously, a game of "good cop, bad cop" is being enacted!

from:
V Nagarajan

Posted on: Sep 27, 2013 at 18:29 IST

C'mon Congress, grow up. This isnt a way to credit someone for the withdrawl of your incompetent Ordinence. Even if Rahul ji baba had not said this, the ordinence would have seen its day falling straight on grounds either by president or by court.
You needed to take it back but without giving credit to the other parties and the public outcry. And hence got in Rahul ji saab to take it all. He actually could have got it perfectly had he been slightly gentle and accepted that "yes, we were going a bit wrong, but here I am, NOW deciding to take it back to maintain your confidence!" Had you shown some maturity, it would have been a 100% success for Rahul. It clear that you are trying to save yourself some shame, but ended up gaining more!

from:
Raaj

Posted on: Sep 27, 2013 at 18:21 IST

These people !!! they treat us all like damn fools. Or they might be right as they have succeeded 60 years fooling us.
What a cheap trick.
I feel like a bunny toy, they always play with.
I feel like I'm the biggest fool on this planet.

from:
Ankith Kumar

Posted on: Sep 27, 2013 at 18:21 IST

It is unbelievable that Rahul has courage to go against his givernment / party. He was apparantly poorly informed about the ordinance, its provsions and repurcussions. Although whatever he has said is commendable if he really means this. Now it is a time for all congressmen & Rahul himself to take a stand. What he does henceforth will decide his future.

from:
Abhijit BHoskar

Posted on: Sep 27, 2013 at 18:14 IST

Power is poison, the ordinance is "nonsense" and the moon is made of cheese. What a well scripted drama. Wonder where this person was during all these days when the ordinance was framed and the Congressmen were defending it with all their rhetorical might. Do they take us for naive gullible fools?

from:
N. K. Shenoy

Posted on: Sep 27, 2013 at 18:11 IST

A convicted person should be banned from election to any public institutions including legislative bodies,corporation ,panchayats etc.His place is jail and jail alone.This is a strong measure against corruption.A convicted member of public institutions should not be eligible for pensionary benefits as Government servants.Supreme Court needs to be praised for its fight against corruption and immorality.An under trial is only a suspect and the cases may be handled with priority and fast track.Once convicted he has no right to continue as a member of legislative bodies.Congress would have lost face ,had not Rahul Gandhi intervened and pleaded to tear off the ordinance pending before President of India who also sought legal and ethical advice.The stand of congress was surprising in the context of wholesale corruption and money power eroding the basic fabric of India.

from:
Dr K V Peter

Posted on: Sep 27, 2013 at 18:08 IST

I felt rahul was trying to sharpen his leadership skill until date; however today's statement clearly shows he requires atleast 10 years before he can be nominated for the PM post. It takes both brains and brawns to lead this country. Going public that he was not aware of such ordinance is clear indication that rahul jus does not have the leadership presence in own party and that his party members don't feel the importance to inform him of any parlimentary activities. If rahul has missed any such communication then god only knows what other things he will miss if he is given any higher positions. Just basics of management of people is not right with in the cong party today.

from:
Siddharthchari

Posted on: Sep 27, 2013 at 17:59 IST

This is another drama, we propose and you oppose.

from:
A S Satyanarayana

Posted on: Sep 27, 2013 at 17:49 IST

What this drama show?
Only Rahul GAndhi and his family are knowledgeable, intelligent and honest. All other congress-ians are dump.
Rahul baba says" Its day", the dump, greedy congressians will shout," yes its day." Rahul baba says," Its night", the dump and loyal (slave-
loyal) congressians will agree," Its night".

from:
Sanjay

Posted on: Sep 27, 2013 at 17:46 IST

OK. Next show please.

from:
garlin vincent

Posted on: Sep 27, 2013 at 17:44 IST

Prince charming comes to bloom out of the blue ! sooooo charming...just that aam admi has gotten smarter than the masters and see the Gandhi family plot transparently.

from:
Ragavan

Posted on: Sep 27, 2013 at 17:42 IST

This is what they call the 'good cop, bad cop show'! Rahul is trying to get his good cop image through stage managing the show. Remember, it was his ruling party that brought out the ordinance without any objection of 'yours truly' and having seen the negative public reaction he is coming out as the 'savior on the white horse' to save the public interest! They can fool some people all the time, but there are thinking people amongst them too!

from:
Saratchandran

Posted on: Sep 27, 2013 at 17:38 IST

Publicity stunt to make look Rahul Gandhi cool by saying something which the urban person might like... such a grand sham by the government

from:
Prateek

Posted on: Sep 27, 2013 at 17:36 IST

Whether you call it a political drama or anything else, the stand taken by Rahul Gandhi is certainly going to bring a great change in Indian politics. From now onward, it would be hard on the part of the Congress, or for that matters for any other parties, to speak in favour of any bills which intent to protect convicted politician.

The day of crimical politics is over

from:
KeshariGovind

Posted on: Sep 27, 2013 at 17:29 IST

It shows the quality of the CABINET OF CONGRESS GOVERNMENT. It shows the awareness of the party president, vice president as well as the PM. Without applying mind they pass some 'NONSENSE' and send it to PRESIDENT? Do you want us to believe what Rahul says? We are NOT like him.

from:
Pats

Posted on: Sep 27, 2013 at 17:20 IST

No buddy breath without permission of Rahul & Sonia Gandhi. So why he is making Indian people fool to give such type of statement. Dear Rahul ji do not make people fool now has sense to evaluate right and wrong things.

from:
Manish Kumar Singh

Posted on: Sep 27, 2013 at 17:20 IST

Mr Pranab Mukherjee is often quoted as the best PM India never had ; someday people may say best President India ever had.

from:
Nabarun Dey

Posted on: Sep 27, 2013 at 17:19 IST

Are we to believe that the ordinance was sent to the President without Sonia Gandhi's knowledge/ consent? Is Rahul Gandhi differing with the President of the party? Or, considering the unexpected backlash, are they using Rahul Gandhi to now backtrack making the PM a scapegoat in the process? Inscrutable are the ways of the Congress!

from:
PVL Narasimham

Posted on: Sep 27, 2013 at 17:11 IST

Height of Hyppocracy.People are not nincompoops.The Vice-President of Congress utters against something approved by his cabinet of ministers.He says it is his personal opinion.It is nothing but a poor drama enacted by Rahul.Already down and now he is out,poor fellow.He can try his tricks at Bollywood.

from:
K.Sugavanam

Posted on: Sep 27, 2013 at 17:10 IST

A political farce! It is seeming like i'm watching a hindi movie in which the hero pays bounty for attacking his lover and afterwards rush in to save her for getting heed to his failed love. Similarly vice-president of the ruling party appears to be unaware of a ordinance being referred to the standing committee in parliament but after the controversy rake up by other parties and discontent shown by people, he suddenly woke up to denounce his own party decisions.FABULOUS!
PITY to such leaders who are using squalid means to gain public attention but i think he forget that usually everyone watch movies and his move is none other than double standards of Congress in which at one end, they try to advocate inclusive growth agenda and on the other side, they try to save their(and allies) tainted ministers by showing clear defiance to SC verdict.

from:
sahil gupta

Posted on: Sep 27, 2013 at 17:09 IST

Finally something good comes out of Rahul Gandhi. Congrat's.

from:
Abhishek

Posted on: Sep 27, 2013 at 17:07 IST

Its sounds gd , that Rahul ji takes an independant as well as proper decision publically on this matter. Its great and needs applause .

But, even after being the most powerful head of congress..its really surprise that he was un aware of such a movement of ordinance. Going wit ordinance and when issues were formed, a dramatic press conference..treating public as just foolish seem to be so cheap from our PM candidate.If a little bit of this enery showed to protect the corrupt politicians were shown in their judicial trail..we would have able to reduce corruption little bit...

from:
Ananthakrishnan Sg

Posted on: Sep 27, 2013 at 17:07 IST

Who are going to be the fall guys in this ' likely- to- be' fiasco? Now there is a 99% chance that the ordinance will be given a quiet burial in order to make Rahul as the hero who rose to the occasion sensing the impending nationwide storm over the brazenness with which the party's think tank behind the ordinance acted contrary to the letter and spirit behind the Supreme Court's ruling on the MPs and MLAs with criminal cases hanging over their heads. Where was Rahul and Rahul's party policy when the cabinet approved the ordinance? Was he kept in dark or did he not read newspapers to know that his party and its allies had committed this 'complete nonsense' before the 'nonsense reached the doors of Rashtrapati Bhavan? Who is he trying to enlighten by this 'outburst' which at best serves to expose what must be at the back of his mind, that is effective damage control !

from:
Shekar

Posted on: Sep 27, 2013 at 17:01 IST

In his entire political career this is first time that Rahul Gandhi spoke with touch of his hand to his heart, understanding, political ethics, from the right side of his brain. But language was harsh, and will be much hurtful for the entire UPA partners, who agreed to use ordinance to keep their political in good support for their 2014 post General Election use. The entire Country today trust the Hon'ble Supreme Court of India. The judgements that have come and the certain cases in the consideration of hon'ble SC give strength to the common men and sleepless nights to the Govt. of India, even when the Council of GOI expresses a bit of annoyance when his head is not supporting his understanding and the comes with an apology, illustrates how fearful and strained thee people in power are. Rahul's outburst will definitely send a message to the 'BUDDIHIMAN" members of cabinet to put the ordinance in deep freeze. I trust the President of India will be rightly guided and will rightly act.

from:
K. K. Ghosh

Posted on: Sep 27, 2013 at 16:58 IST

This is a face saving tactic in case the President returns the Ordinance for review

from:
V.Viswanathan

Posted on: Sep 27, 2013 at 16:53 IST

Political drama..as if we haven't seen enough of this to see through it clearly.The people of this country are not as silly as these politicians think us to be.

from:
Rishu Kumar

Posted on: Sep 27, 2013 at 16:50 IST

This is a well enacted drama. The congress party passes an ordinance protecting criminals, and making sure they stay in power. Shiela Dixit calls the PM, telling him how it will negatively impact their chances of winning in Delhi elections. There is a public outcry - for the rulers have many criminal elements in their coalition - instead of cleaning up, the UPA wants to protect bad elements. Suddenly Rahul Yuvaraj Gandhi wakes up, and now is all up against the ordinance.

This is the problem with politicians in India. They believe that people are dumb, and will take anything they do, casually. The UPA does not realize that they are sitting on a mountain of scams, orchestrated by the rich and mighty in power. The last thing they want, is a law protecting criminals. People will respond at the ballot

from:
Thomas Johnston

Posted on: Sep 27, 2013 at 16:47 IST

Like Rajiv Gandhi he (Rahul Gandhi)is also pure and hence sometimes his views are nothing but pure truth. His views on ordinance is not political.

from:
SC Aggarwal

Posted on: Sep 27, 2013 at 16:41 IST

Indian socalled democracy is so corrupted - after decades of age old men sinking into literally buying not only votes but also their privileged political life - that if this NONSENSE is not cleaned up and rapidly, it's possible to see the subcontinent finally becoming the sick-man of South Asia.

from:
dr hari naidu

Posted on: Sep 27, 2013 at 16:38 IST

This must be serious "joke" on all the press staff and also on the public. May be as Rahul is not the Cabinet he was not informed about this ordinance. One must adore his courage to portay a MR. CLEAN image.

from:
NATARAJAN KMA

Posted on: Sep 27, 2013 at 16:37 IST

Mr.Rahul Gandhi, if its a 'nonsense' why should it cleared in Cabinet meet and send to President of India to make it an ordinance? Tell your party ministers who behind this ordinance to resign and take sanyasa from politics...

from:
Satish Pai

Posted on: Sep 27, 2013 at 16:36 IST

The Vice president of the ruling government is unaware of a contentious issue about which the media is screaming on top of its lungs.

Brilliant move Mr. Rahul Gandhi, sorry, Mrs Sonia Gandhi !!!!

God save my nation

from:
Rahul Nayak

Posted on: Sep 27, 2013 at 16:32 IST

This is what we call politics! First they come up with ordinance they their so called leader comes to stage and denounces it. Applaud! Since, PM has agreed to work under Rahul as PM, so he has assumed his position (virtually) and guiding cabinet to bring ordinance and then he will oppose it (as a part of strategy) and become a good leader who can stand by himself. wow! great act.
OR
Congress is actually in favour of Ordinance and assuming that President will sign the ordinance. But, they failed when president questioned their intentions. Now, to save themselves and take political mileage of situation, Rahul has come out and denounced the ordinance.

It is win win situation for Congress. See the fate of this country, even people are appreciating the act of Mr. Rahul Gandhi.

from:
indra

Posted on: Sep 27, 2013 at 16:26 IST

It is reprehensible democratic system in India. When the political parties wants to protect themselves-they are get away with it. They don't care about outside investors, pride and prestige of India as a country. It is like advertising outside world, do mistakes, get convicted and stay in power. It is a shame that another leader has to say NO and stop this but not the public voice.

from:
marudah

Posted on: Sep 27, 2013 at 16:26 IST

As per the constitution made before 1950. The leaders of the country has written in the constitution " no person has the right to be a candidate for the election who has been convicted for two or more years. no person has right to be a minister or MP as he/ she is convicted. the country is being spoiled by the ruling government. god know at which path the country is going on.

from:
anil kumar

Posted on: Sep 27, 2013 at 16:21 IST

Poli'TRICKS'.....Mr.Gandhi proved that he has, what it takes to be another (well trained) politician who is gearing up to take more out of this limping Democracy.....

from:
Harish Nair

Posted on: Sep 27, 2013 at 16:16 IST

Sir,

He is number 2 in the congress party, he kept quiet till it goes to President but after public outcry he is acting as if he was not aware of this ordinance, its nothing but cheap politics.

from:
narayan

Posted on: Sep 27, 2013 at 16:16 IST

Congratulations to Rahul Gandhi for coming out strongly against the ordinance, intended to nullify the Supreme Court judgments disqualifying MPs and MLAs on being convicted, as approved by the Cabinet and placed before the President for approval. He has rightly put it as âcomplete nonsenseâ. His opinion, no doubt, matters. He can expect a voter-sympathy on this count. However, he could have shown some restraint in suddenly entering into a Press meet being managed by a General Secretary of his party and expressing his personal opinion there and leaving, again suddenly. Actually, Rahul had had enough time to comment on the ordinance before it was passed by the Cabinet and sent to the President. Even the Opposition had come out clearly on the topic. One can only sympathise with the party and its general secretary who could only say, after Rahul left, that âwhat Rahul Gandhi has said is our party policyâ.

from:
P.R.V.Raja

Posted on: Sep 27, 2013 at 16:15 IST

It seems like a political drama of the congress party..

from:
Mumtaz Jahan

Posted on: Sep 27, 2013 at 16:05 IST

Confusing!
It's tough to believe what Rahul Gandhi said.

from:
Prateek Prajapati

Posted on: Sep 27, 2013 at 16:03 IST

Better late than never ! Question why Mr. Rahul Gandhi, Vice President of Congress didn't negate the political move to pass an ordinance ahead of elections without waiting for pending bill on the issue ? Wasn't then he interested in what his party and government is doing earlier ? He stated in press conference that he is interested in his party and government matters. Only sense in his calling the ordinance as nonsense is that he has read lines of public opposition to such a corruption protecting ordinance move. Thanks Mr. Rahul , keep the same spirit in your political life.

from:
Gajanan Ukhalkar

Posted on: Sep 27, 2013 at 16:03 IST

Mr. Rahul Gandhi, I suppose you and Sonia Gandhi are the whole and sole of the Govt. and if u make a statement with "Should" then it must be done.. still if u are making such statements without actually taking any coercive action in this regard inspite of having your own Govt. , is a straight-forward indicator that either u are trying to cajole people by word or ur party is not considering u mature enough to make decisions based on ur statements...

from:
ABHISHEK PRASAD

Posted on: Sep 27, 2013 at 16:03 IST

Ordinance is delayed, but sure this bill be passed in both houses, because the Netas have become habituated in making fun of the democracy, till the public allow them to do so. This is India!

from:
Mukesh

Posted on: Sep 27, 2013 at 16:01 IST

Everybody in India knows that this is stage managed. What was Rahul doing for the last two days? Passing negative comments about his own govt. is just to earn cheap publicity.
Its for sure that the people of India won't spare corrupt politicians.

from:
Sajin S

Posted on: Sep 27, 2013 at 16:01 IST

I am really interested in the outcome rather than what Rahul Gandhi has to say. Will it be really torn up and thrown away?

from:
Shashi

Posted on: Sep 27, 2013 at 16:01 IST

This must be a speech of a politician in power. Not like when you want to sit in a chair, you talk whatever people like to listen, once in chair you don't put into action.

What we need is action than speech nowadays. Our ears are getting tired now.

But Rahulji have the vigor to take it forward.

from:
Karman

Posted on: Sep 27, 2013 at 15:59 IST

Looks like Congress party wants to project and promote Rahul's credentials by compromising its own credentials! It's an embarassment for the Cabinet committe and more so for the Prime Minister. Hope UPA would act sensibly in future.

from:
Ramachandran

Posted on: Sep 27, 2013 at 15:56 IST

God help this country when people are willing to believe that Rahul did not know about this ordinance and only when the cabinet approved it and the whole country went up against it, only than did he know that ordinance is being passed and he has to oppose it. Please please please... This is a Congress dominated govt. and if congress doesn't know what the country is doing than they should decide to be not a part of this govt....
for god sake... vote for any other party but this double faced congress...

from:
Arun

Posted on: Sep 27, 2013 at 15:50 IST

We citizens of this country,we are not able to understand whether the present burst of Rahulji is a drama or his own real feelings.The politicians have made this country so bad that one is not able to distinguish between real and virtual.If Rahulji has expressed his honest feelings then it is a welcome one and I wish the party should follow him and throw the dishonest members out from the party.

from:
K.A.Narayanan

Posted on: Sep 27, 2013 at 15:49 IST

To bring the Ordinance was a Cabinet decision. How it dawned on the yuvraj of Congress so late that this ordinance is nonsense. PM Manmohan Singh has been challenged. Will Rahul be dismissed from the party for anti party activity? Had this been said by some Congress CM probably he would have lost his job then and there. All the Chamchas would now sing the Rahul song and belittle the PM. The PM at this age and stage should immediatley return from USA if he has even a slightest esteem. All these goes only to show that PM is remote controlled and by stating that the Ordinance is nonsense the first family of the Congress has taken the credit. Rahul shoule be immly be declared as the Congress PM candidate so that people like Digvijay and coterie can start making preparations for scripting Rahul Bhajans. The time starts now.

from:
jagannathan

Posted on: Sep 27, 2013 at 15:47 IST

What a smart move..President was expected to return the ordinance..BJP & AAP have made a lot of noise against the ordinance..media & people are cursing the ordinance..Congress had to find a way out to get out of this mess.

from:
Vaibhav

Posted on: Sep 27, 2013 at 15:44 IST

Good movie show. Hope the Indians are gullible enough to vote for Congress. This strategy has worked for 60 years..

from:
Anshuman

Posted on: Sep 27, 2013 at 15:42 IST

Hey, Movie makers, here's a gem of an actor for you

from:
sudhanva

Posted on: Sep 27, 2013 at 15:41 IST

Corruption is biggest threat to our country and ideas against it should be implemented. I liked the idea of Rahul Gandhi but what about implementation? If you believe in what you said,you must implement it and for God's sake you are Rahul Gandhi,you are in a position of implementing it. you are leader, you take step and we will follow you.

from:
Aditya Prakash

Posted on: Sep 27, 2013 at 15:39 IST

All a farce. If Rahul is so concerned about clean politics, how come his party is rolling out scam after scam, each bigger than the previous one. Someone must have adviced rahul baba to speak on this issue to try and get the attention of the middle class. But the attempt falls flat on its face due to the fact that he does not give any clear solution. And yes, if he is the party vice president, how did such a legislation get passed in the first place ?? Seems that he woke up from sleep or came back from some partying day before yesterday to find this issue all over the news and chose it to try and grab some attention to hiumself. And the media is leaving no stone unturned to glorify this one off sound byte from the Gandhi-in-
waiting.

from:
Kshitij Mehta

Posted on: Sep 27, 2013 at 15:39 IST

One cant help wondering if this is part of congress strategy where party faces a scandal and then someone from the Gandhi family expresses unhappiness about it and the measure is rolled back. This has been congress' modus operandi for a while now, by which they shield the family from exposure to scandals even as they take credit for all the 'achievements'

from:
Ranat

Posted on: Sep 27, 2013 at 15:34 IST

the credibility of congress is so low, that it is hard to believe the stand taken by Rahul. I sincerely hope he is truthful and if so he should be lauded and supported. he mentions that his party men have told that the ordinance is on account of political considerations. another issue that came out of political considerations, that is directly related to his becoming PM is the creation of telangana and the related numbers game. is he aware of the turmoil in the state of AP after the CWC resolution and it would be interesting to see how he would react when the media questions him next time.

Wow.. Rahul has spoken and voiced his opinion strongly. I am Quite surprised and happy to hear this. Let us see if this ordinance is really 'torn up and thrown away'. But seriously we should not be taken for a ride here.. it could be a stunt of Congress which is already in deep crisis after utter failure of UPA II with full of corruption and CBI cases

from:
Kiran Kumar

Posted on: Sep 27, 2013 at 15:29 IST

First of all Kudos to the President Shri Pranab Mukherjee the BJP stalwarts L K Advani Arun Jaitely and in particular Mr Rahul Gandhi for boldly saying no protection to convicted Law makers and against passing any such ordinance .May we develop such consensus from all political leaders irrespective of party affiliation on all national issues like corruption and economic reforms for the betterment of the country
without any partisan interests , which in turn ensure success of democratic institutions in the country

from:
S.Vasu

Posted on: Sep 27, 2013 at 15:26 IST

I think it is encouraging that Mr Rahul has spoken and spoken for the people. I hope he lives up to the expectations from the young indians.

from:
Barry

Posted on: Sep 27, 2013 at 15:24 IST

Hey IS Rahul playing a drama ? How can the party seek an ordinance while the Vice president IS against it ? Party Boss approved eh? Sure there IS hidden agenda - just to make him "popular" with opposition openly asking President to reject it - it will help later to gain some support ! Pity all folks play double game to seek power ! Can cite in support or against as necessary later !!!

from:
AlokBinduChampa

Posted on: Sep 27, 2013 at 15:23 IST

With this congress has attained newer heights of political hypocrisy. Why don't Mr Rahul stopped his govt from passing this ordinance. Had he even tried to do this? Any one will hardly agree that he had tried to stop but couldn't. This fashion of gaining political mileage and portraying themselves as honest person is the characterist style of these mother-Son Duo. There are many examples of this in the history also(you can remember NAC pushing the govt on some policies). Dear Mr/ms gandhi, there is no need to show off these. Just do what you think is correct in public benifit right first time.

from:
Umang

Posted on: Sep 27, 2013 at 15:21 IST

Was he not reading the newspaper? Was he not aware of this ordinance yesterday? Why speaking now? Its only a trick of congress to make clean image of Rahul in eyes of people of this country.

Mr Rahul Gandhi is changing its stand after seeing BJP is going to take its advantage by becoming the party to oppose it.

from:
Brahmanand Rai

Posted on: Sep 27, 2013 at 15:18 IST

Well planned political drama of Congress to glorify face of Rahul baba.

from:
Sanjay Kumar

Posted on: Sep 27, 2013 at 15:17 IST

It is really a big puzzle,that how come Rahul being helm in Party and Government was not taken into confidence well before an important ordinance like this was discussed in Cabinet.In case if he had been informed about the impending ordinance,it was totally immoral on his part to make such a statement before the media,which causes big embarrassment to him and his own party after the opposition and media decried about the ordinance

from:
S.Seshadri

Posted on: Sep 27, 2013 at 15:17 IST

The Government knows it is on the wrong footing with the opposition by the public, opposition parties and the president. Now, they can obviously not scrap the ordinance which would mean a victory for the BJP,AAP etc. Hence, the dramatic entry by Rahul, so that it would now seem that it was he who was the reason why the ordinance was dropped. Now whom are we kidding? Him being a leader had no clue about this ordinance beforehand. If that was true, then how good a leader is he?

from:
kamal

Posted on: Sep 27, 2013 at 15:15 IST

One must ask RG: Are you opposed to just the ordinance route or the substance of the ordinance also (which means the bill which is with the parliamentary standing committee now)? I am surprised that people are not asking this question.

from:
Sidharth

Posted on: Sep 27, 2013 at 15:13 IST

Not a leaf of tree will fall without the permission of Rahut and Sonia g, in congress party. So it's really funny to making people fool by giving this statement. Where was Rahul when this ordinance started?

from:
Avadhesh Mishra

Posted on: Sep 27, 2013 at 15:13 IST

Really a wonderful drama enacted by Rahul!.So many days he has slept like Ripvanwinkle,now all of a sudden he is speaking like Buddha

from:
A.SESHAGIRI

Posted on: Sep 27, 2013 at 15:13 IST

Does it mean SKShinde , Kamal Nath and Kapil Sibal bite the dust for having gone to Prez to sign the Ordinance.Will Rahul Gandhi stand by it - Ordinance was a Nonsense.

from:
P.V.Sivakumar

Posted on: Sep 27, 2013 at 15:12 IST

Awesome move by Congress to catapult Rahul to the center stage as a righteous leader of India.

from:
Chandel

Posted on: Sep 27, 2013 at 15:11 IST

Such a fair and foul weather have I never seen.Is is difficult to go out from this college right now because of inclement weather.SDG,Khandra College,Burdwan.

from:
Sisirendu Dasgupta

Posted on: Sep 27, 2013 at 15:09 IST

This is yet another drama from congress. They first let out a bill that is sick and now they are projecting Rahul as a hero who is against it. Clearly, can the ordinance be passed without the consent of Sonia? It just all starts at home. #CheapCongressTricks

from:
Sandeep Chava

Posted on: Sep 27, 2013 at 15:09 IST

Though Rahul deserves compliments for opposing the ordinance it looks there is a lot of suspicion an confusion in the move of Rahul.Infact Rahul never goes against his mother and Sonia is fully aware of the birth of ordinance and in this situation is it not a drama by Manmohan,Sonia and Rahul regarding the ordinance. Being the secretaty of congress partyRahul too must have got fulll knowledge of the issuing of ordinance and without information to him I donot think Manmohan procceds for it.Who is fooling who?

from:
JP Reddy

Posted on: Sep 27, 2013 at 15:04 IST

Bravo Rahul, then Who is the author of the Ordinance?

from:
Somasekhar

Posted on: Sep 27, 2013 at 15:04 IST

If this is meant in all good earnest, why such a delay in this expression of dissent ? Or is it a well thought out damage control, post the assault of BJP and President questioning the hurry in pushing this Ordinance through ? Both the ways, it doesn't augur well for Congress.... Anyway, if the denouncement is absolutely well intended and the delay is unintentional, his line of thought is well appreciated.

from:
Aravind

Posted on: Sep 27, 2013 at 15:00 IST

Whatever he said it is right then why can't he express his opinion in his party where he has full control on the party.

from:
murali dhuli

Posted on: Sep 27, 2013 at 14:59 IST

Rahul Gandhi looks leader not politician. The need of hour is Leader and He seemingly fits into this category.

from:
Lord Wasim Reza

Posted on: Sep 27, 2013 at 14:57 IST

Should one beleive this high political drama posed ? Wasn't Mr. Rahul Gandhi aware of this ordinace before sending it to the President? He is the vice presidnt and the part and parcel of the party.This leaves the common man with a fully disturbed mind! Its the responsibility of every citizen of the country to take a strong stance at the upcoming elctions to decide their leader.

from:
Prasanna Kanakeri

Posted on: Sep 27, 2013 at 14:57 IST

Very rich people in India can get out of the clutches of the judiciary hence I believe still rich and people with money will rule the politics of india unless money factor is removed from politics.

from:
rajesh kumar n

Posted on: Sep 27, 2013 at 14:57 IST

im laughing like hell...though what he says is completely right, and i would say sooner the better, but look at the way, it takes other parties to meet president, newspaper and channel to run campaign to make him realize that this is nonsense.... i would say it is non-sense.

from:
Nishant

Posted on: Sep 27, 2013 at 14:55 IST

If he really means what he says, he should tell Manmohan Singh or Sonia to end the 'nonsense'. I think Rahul has caught the mood of the nation, for once.

from:
Raman

Posted on: Sep 27, 2013 at 14:55 IST

All of a sudden Mr Gandhi wake up from middle of the sleep and talks about Corruption and Ordinance in favour of convicted lawmakers.

from:
Somasekhar

Posted on: Sep 27, 2013 at 14:52 IST

It is heartening to note that Rahulji has come out openly against
the ordinance at least now. Hope this is not an orchestrated drama.

from:
Vijayaraghavan

Posted on: Sep 27, 2013 at 14:49 IST

Some may accuse Congress of being corrupt but none can say that about Rahulji. He is bold enough to go against his own. We need leaders who are willing to do this.

from:
Stephen

Posted on: Sep 27, 2013 at 14:48 IST

Finally, Rahul Gandhi met expectations of the young India. Modi can't be mute on this issue anymore. Congratulations to Rahul

from:
Srini

Posted on: Sep 27, 2013 at 14:46 IST

This is another stunt by congress to confuse the general public.First congress brings the ordinance and when this move is being discussed and criticized in media,then congress is trying to project rahul gandhi as the hero who can stand against the evil.can we even think that the ordinance would have been brought without the agreement of sonia gandhi and rahul?

from:
Pushkar Kumar

Posted on: Sep 27, 2013 at 14:44 IST

If Rahul really means what he said, and then acts on withdrawing the proposal to issue ordinance, then we stand with him, in reviving the politics and getting dirt free leaders.

from:
R Raman

Posted on: Sep 27, 2013 at 14:43 IST

Its quite dubious what we are hearing from Rahul Gandhi. If a top leader of Congress thinks like this and the Party is acting on the different line, then when and where can we expect a consensus.
Its known that a party can have a number of individual views. But, what come out as a decision should have the consensus and should be thought upon in every aspect.

from:
H M Badruzzaman

Posted on: Sep 27, 2013 at 14:43 IST

Then why did not he stop it? everything is drama!

from:
prakash

Posted on: Sep 27, 2013 at 14:43 IST

Finally he spoke. But again no matter how honest his intentions are this has given opposition a perfect opportunity to tear into Congress.
First rule of politics is you are never wrong and second is never accept your mistake. This flamboyance is going to cost Congress.

from:
Anoop

Posted on: Sep 27, 2013 at 14:42 IST

Tough times for Mr. Maken.

from:
Kushal Wadhwani

Posted on: Sep 27, 2013 at 14:41 IST

Thanks to this little unexpected comeo from Rahul Gandhi, this ordinance will be put into dustbin I am sure. For once, Rahul is with masses on this one.

from:
Shrenik Jain

Posted on: Sep 27, 2013 at 14:40 IST

What kind of a farce is it? How is such a responsible body as cabinet committee finding time for this? Until Mr Raj Babbar clarified the whole issue as above, I never realized that morality and constitution can be at cross purposes!!

from:
Sandy

Posted on: Sep 27, 2013 at 14:36 IST

There is no question that President Pranab Mukherjee has to abide by what is fundmentally legal and constitutional and has every right and power under the constitution to return any ordinance or bill for parliament's review after taking considered and official legal advise from the Presidents panel of legal and constitutional advisors.

That the cabinet committee that approved the ordinance in the first place have not done their legal and constitutional homework is obvious and hence the ordinance must definitely meet the fate that it deserves and so unequivically expressed without ambiguity - torn up!

from:
r n iyengar

Posted on: Sep 27, 2013 at 14:34 IST

We should appreciate his courage to speak against this ordinance at the time of president reaised questions. Now how patry managers handle this situation and defend both his leader and ordinace is really challenging. If they defends ordinance its become contempt of Rahul statement, if endorese his statement shows theis is no unanimity in government about this ordinance. Rahul statement pushed party leadrs in herculean task and we need to watch carefully in next couple of days developments at political circle. Certainly those political parties opposing this ordinance using his statement saying that party VP himself upset over this ordinance why party leaders pushing for it opens lot of suspicious in its.

from:
RAGHAVENDRA R PAWAR

Posted on: Sep 27, 2013 at 14:31 IST

I take this with a pinch of salt.

from:
Rathna

Posted on: Sep 27, 2013 at 14:29 IST

Rahul, your credibility is so low that I cannot believe you never had knowledge of this ordinance. Turning up unexpectedly at a press conference and then denouncing an ordinance of a government controlled by a party where you are the VP seems like a gimmick to create plausible deniability of your role in this whole affair. People will not buy it.

from:
Ramesh Hariharan

Posted on: Sep 27, 2013 at 14:26 IST

Mr Raul, had it not been for AAP raising racus, your UPA would have pulled a silent and fast one. You want us to believe it was done without your authority?